Just because you've opted for a destination wedding is no reason you can't have a wedding shower or bachelor or bachelorette party. As with traditional wedding plans, these events are designed to give family and friends a chance to celebrate the upcoming wedding with you. Generally, you invite only those who are invited to the wedding. If you'd like to have a pre-wedding party and include people not coming to the destination wedding, consider stating that no gifts are expected on the invitation.

Many couples have a wedding celebration after they've returned home from the wedding. This is especially welcome for friends and family of couples that have eloped or gotten married far away where many well-wishers couldn't afford to travel.

Post-wedding parties may be formal affairs or backyard barbecues or anything in between. It depends on the couple's tastes and budget. The guest list to a post-wedding celebration will likely be the same one that you used to send wedding announcements. Gifts are generally not given, although some guests may bring them anyway.

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